Wilmington Brewery Showcase!

April 14th

Beer Styles

Ale Styles

American Ales

American Amber / Red Ale – This is a category of beer that encompasses any beer that is less than a dark beer. These beers tend to be malt focused but can certainly contain some hopiness ranging from low to high. The color normally ranges from amber (hence the name!) to a deep red. They are typically well-balanced beers with toasty malty characters and just a touch of light fruit. They tend to be medium bodied beers with a mid range of alcohol by volume ranging anywhere from 4-7% abv.

American Barleywine- First of all, a Barleywine is not a wine! In fact, it is a very strong and typically very flavorful beer! They tend to be heavy bodied and on the dark side. While being high in alcohol and a darker beer, they are most likely to be fruity, a bit sweet and quit complex like wine, these beers can be cellared and aged.

American Black Ale – This beer is sometimes referred to as a Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale. Like its name implies, the color tends to be black or a very dark brown. There is normally a mix of malts and hops so you tend to get a nice roastiness (I think I made that word up) and a great does of hoppiness.

American Blonde Ale – As the name implies, this is normally a light straw colored beer. They are usually all malt and have a touch of fruitiness. These beers are basically the creation of the craft beer movement. Very balanced and easy to drink beers.

American Brown Ale – The American Brown Ale is derived from the English Brown Ale. The American version simply uses American ingredients. The American browns tend to be a bit drier, fruitier and hoppier than their English counterparts due to the American Hop Varieties used. These beers have a wide range of color from amber to dark brown as well as a wide range of bitterness and alcohol by volume.

American Dark Wheat Ale – This is Americas answer to Dunkel Weizen. These beers tend to be a bit cloudy with long lasting heads. Their colors range anywhere from brown to bright garnet. You may be able to find fruit flavors as well as toasty malt. They are normally a clean tasting beer due to the neutral ale yeast that is used in fermenting

American Double / Imperial IPA – For the most part, we can thank West Coast brewers for this style of IPA. These beers are normally very high in alcohol with a hop level that will blow your mind! These are big flavorful beers!

American Double / Imperial Stout – Most of these stouts are barrel aged (mostly in bourbon or whiskey barrels) and many have infusions of coffee or chocolate. Different from a normal stout, these beers are extremely full bodied with rich roasted flavors. The alcohol levels tend to be very high with cleaner alcohol flavors, higher hop levels and an increased residual sweetness.

American IPA – These IPA’s range from pale golden to a red amber color. They are different than an English IPA and are very bitter due to its high American hop content. They can exhibit citrus, piney, or floral characters.Its average alcohol by volume (abv) range is 5.5-7.5%

American Pale Ale (APA)- American Pale Ales tend to be hoppier than the British pale ale. In terms of balance, hops flavor is more dominant than malt flavors, although the malt provides a good balance. They are highly carbonated, and they may exhibit citrusy characters from the American hops. The alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

American Pale Wheat Ale- This is the American version of the German Hefeweizen. They are made with wheat malts and exhibit low hop and moderate in bitterness. Some have a fruit flavor due to the fermentation and they are often served with a slice of fruit it balance the yeast. The alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%.

American Porter- American porters originally were created from English style porters. They are darker beers that have a wide range of characters. They can exhibit smoky notes, as well as chocolate and coffee. They can be Bourbon barrel or whiskey barrel aged as well. The alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7.5%

American Stout- These were created from English and Irish style stouts. Many different ingredients can be added to enhance it’s roasted style, including coffee and chocolate. There are many different varieties of flavor and they can also be barrel aged. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%.

American Strong Ale – Most beers fall under this category if they are above 7% abv range and do not meet characteristics of other categories.

American Wild Ale- These are beers that are introduced to wild bacteria (yeast) during the brewing process. Many are Belgian style or influenced. The brettanomyces yeast in the beer contributes to earthy flavors, although a tart acidity is typically more dominant from other bacteria. The three sub-categories are American sours, American brett, and American barrel-aged sours.

Black & Tan – This is a combination of a dark and light beer. Generally it is a pale ale or lager mixed with a porter or stout.

Chile Beer – This beer is generally a light ale or lager that is infused with peppers. There are a wide variety of peppers used ranging from chipotle to jalapeno. The heat range is very different, with some beers exhibiting subtle heat and spice, to extremely hot. Their alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4.5-6%.

Cream Ale – These beers are American pale ales that add lager yeast. The result is a light creamy character with definite malt flavors and minimal hop character. They range from straw to gold in color and are moderately to highly carbonated. Their alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-8%

Pumpkin Ale – This fall seasonal beer exhibit pumpkin flavors. They are spiced with either real pumpkin or pumpkin spices. They are malty and tend to have other spice characteristics including cinnamon or nutmeg. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Rye Beer – These beers are brewed with rye grains resulting in spicy or sour rye flavors. They tend to be light and dry with notable hoppiness. The alcohol by volume (abv) range for this beer is 4-7%

Wheatwine – Similar to Barleywine, but with more wheat malts. Color ranges from gold to amber. This wine is full-bodied, with high malts and minimal hop presecnce. Their alcohol by volume (abv) range is 9-14%

Belgian / French Ales

Belgian Dark Ale – Belgian darks can vary quite a bit in terms of flavors and aromas. Colors are usually amber to dark brown with thick, rocky foam. Aromas can be yeasty, spiced, caramel malts, or even floral. Flavors tend to be anywhere from sweet and malty to spicy and herbal. Most have a low level of bitterness.

Belgian IPA – This is the Belgian version of the American style India Pale Ale. Most of these actually use American hops along with Belgian or American malts. The main difference in these is that Belgian IPA’s will use a Belgian strain of yeast. These beers also tend to have a drier finish than American IPA’s.

Belgian Pale Ale – Belgian pale ales are different from pale ales from other regions in that they are usually far less bitter. They typically use aged hops to give them a delicate hop presence. Balance is the key in these beers. Belgian pales may have a slight orange or pear fruitiness to them, but less so than most other Belgian styles. Most of these beers will be bottle conditions so leave the yeast behind when pouring.

Belgian Strong Dark Ale- These beers are rich, smooth complex and so delicious they are dangerous. They tend to be malty sweet on the palate with a moderately dry finish. They have very little to no bitterness. The alcohol is well hidden, as these beers tend to be in the 8%-12% ABV range. Strong Dark Ales tend to have notes of raisins, plums, or figs, blended with bready and caramel malt flavors.

Belgian Strong Pale Ale- This strong golden ale resembles a Belgian Tripel in a lot of ways but these may be even paler, drier, and more crisp. They are effervescent, complex and can boast an ABV in the 7% – 11% range. Many of these beers reference the devil in their names due to this high ABV and also to pay homage to the original Strong Golden Ale, Duvel.

Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut- A very new and rare beer style. These beers go through a lengthy maturation process known as “method de champenoise.” In this process bottles are turned very slowly over a period of time until they are upside down. This allows the yeast and proteins to settle to the neck of the bottle. The bottle is then frozen upside down and then turned on its side. The crown cap is then removed and the sediment is expelled from the bottle due to the pressure. Fresh beer is then added to the bottle and it is then corked and caged. These beers are highly carbonated, delicate, and may have a mild spice. Typical ABV range is 10%-14%.

Bière de Garde- A traditional farmhouse ale from Northern France that was historically brewed in spring and kept in chilled cellars to be consumed in warmer months. The name actually translates to “beer, which has been kept”. This beer could be considered a cousin to saisons, but are typically a bit sweeter and maltier. They tend to have a toffee like sweetness but also are known to have a cellar or corked accents to them.

Dubbel- A reddish brown, moderately strong, malty Belgian ale that originated in monasteries in the middle ages. It is a malt forward beer with notes of dried cherries, raisins, and caramel. Very smooth and full bodied.

Faro- A blended lambic with candy sugar added to make a lighter, sweeter beer. Commonly spiced with pepper, orange peel and coriander.

Flanders Oud Bruin – These beers are copper to brown with a light to medium body. Exhibiting many different characters ranging from vinegary, sour, to sweet. Low bitterness, hops and malt characters. This brown ale can have fruit characteristics. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-8%

Flanders Red Ale – This is a sharp light-bodied red ale. Their brewing process includes a long aging process in oak that blends a young and old beer. They exhibit fruity or tart and sour characters. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-8%

Gueuze – These are more intense lambics that blend young and old beers and then aged for a couple of years. This process creates a dryer beer. They exhibit intense sour flavor. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Lambic – Fruit – These beers are brewed with whole fruits such a black currant, peach, Framroise (raspberries), and Kriek (cherries). Whatever fruit is used dominates the flavor or the beer. Alcohol by volume range is 3-8%

Lambic – Unblended – This lambic is light-bodied beer that is aged to reduce harsh tartness. They are crisp with little hops and the wheat used brings out a barnyard characteristic. Color ranges from yellow to gold and darkens the longer it is aged. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 3-6%

Quadrupel (Quad) – Quads are full-bodied, bolder and stronger Dubbel/Tripel beers. Color ranges from red to brown. They exhibit malts and are sweet with low bitterness. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 9-13%

Saison / Farmhouse Ale – This is a complex light to medium bodied beer. They are highly carbonated and a yellow orange color. Fruits and spices add flavor to a tart background. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 5-8%

Tripel – Triples use three times the amount of malt that is used in a standard Belgian beer, hence the name. They are light-bodied yet pack a lot of alcohol. Ranging from yellow to gold, this beer is creamy. They tend to be sweet from malts and can exhibit different spice flavors.

Witbier – This is a beer high in wheat, which contributes to its cloudy texture and white color. They are brewed with many spices, herbs, and citrus components. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

English Ales

Baltic Porter – This beer, from the 1700’s, was brewed stronger to maintain robustness and longevity when being shipping across the sea. They are more acidic than traditional porter from stale beer used in the brewing process. Like traditional porters they are still dark in color and exhibit malty characters. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 7-10%

Braggot – This beer goes all the way back to medieval Europe. Honey contributes to a mix of mead and beer. They do not have hops and bitterness is balanced by the sweet honey. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 6-12%

English Barleywine – Not a wine, but a very strong beer. English versions are different than American and exhibit a better balance between malt and hops, whereas American styles are more hoppy and bitter. Caramel flavor and a strong fruit character are common.

English Bitter – This light bodied beer can be gold to copper in color. It has a higher hop ratio to malts, contributing to its bitterness. They can have a fruit character and are low in alcohol and carbonation.

English Brown Ale – A full-bodied, malty sweet beer. They can exhibit fruit notes, but more commonly have caramel, toffee, or nut characters depending on the brewing process. They are low in hops.

English Dark Mild Ale – This beer has low hop character and alcohol content. They are medium bodied and have malt notes. They can take on many different notes depending on the brewing process including nutty, chocolate, roast, or coffee. Alcohol by volume (abv) ratio is 2-6%

English India Pale Ale (IPA) – This style of beer was developed to transport to English troops that were in India during the 1700’s. They were highly hopped to help preserve the beer. Originally they were stronger and had more malts. Today they are less malts and hops, still keeping a stable balance with a alcohol by volume (abv) range of 4-6.5%

English Pale Ale – High sulfate water used in the brewing process helps contribute to this beers clarity. They range from golf to copper in color. This beer has high drinkability and is smooth due to its nice balance of bread-like malts and bitter English malts. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 3.8-6%

English Pale Mild Ale – This is a session beer that is similar to a bitter. Mild hops are used to create a more malty ale. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 3-5%

English Porter – Porters that originated in England used to combine three different ales: a stale ale, a new brown or pale ale, and a mild ale. They are brewed currently with pale malts and create a dark beer with a low bitterness. Alcohol by volume (abv) range 4-7%

English Stout – This is another dark, dry, and full-bodied beer. They use roasted barley which contributes to a roasted flavor with notes of chocolate or coffee. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

English Strong Ale – This beer is in between a pale ale and a Barleywine that ranges from amber to copper in color. They have a wide range in terms of hop bitterness but usually exhibit malt or fruit flavors. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 5.5-7.5%

Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB) – This beer is a stronger bitter, that contain more alcohol and hop bitterness. Although their name suggests high bitterness characteristics, the malt is more notable. They are low in carbonation and gold to copper. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Foreign / Export Stout – This style exhibits regular stout characteristics, but the brewing process is similar to the “English IPA” brewing process that aims to make the beer sustainable for timely exports. This process also makes the beer higher in alcohol than typical stouts, with an alcohol by volume (abv) range of 6-9%

Milk / Sweet Stout – These stouts are brewed with lactose, an unfermentable sugar, hence its name. Lactose provides a heavier body and sweet notes that help contribute to an enhanced roasted stout character. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Oatmeal Stout – This unique stout incorporates mashed oats into the brewing process, which contributes to a smooth, full bodied beer. The oatmeal adds subtle sweet notes to the beer. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Old Ale – These are full-bodied or “stock” beers are matured malty beers. They tend to have acidic characters from bacteria and the aging process, yet they are still easy-drinking. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-12%

Russian Imperial Stout – This is a high alcohol, malty, and roasted stout. This full-bodied English creation is called Russians because this beer was created in the 1800s to appear attractive to the Russian Czar. They can exhibit burnt, chocolate, coffee, or fark fruit notes. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 8-12%

Winter Warmer – As the name suggests, the traditional English style of this beer is high in malt and low in hops with some alcohol warmth for the winter season. They have a large variety of colors from red to black. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 5.5-8%

Finnish Ales

Sahti- Originating in Finland by peasants in 1500s, this farmhouse ale is similar to a hefeweizen or a lambic. They have huge cloudy bodies due to all the particles remaining after its filtering process of using juniper twigs and not boiling the wort. They tend to be tart and use no hops, balanced by the twigs alone. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 7-11%

German Ales

Altbier – As the name suggests, “alt” being German for “old”, Altbier is a German brown ale that is brewed for a long time. The extended brew process tames sweetness resulting in a smooth beer that is balanced well with malt and hops. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Berliner Weissbier – This is a cloudy pale wheat beer with is straw in color. They are crisp, acidic, citrus beer. They are low in hop bitterness and are extremely sour from the addition of lactobacillus during brewing. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 2-5%

Dunkelweizen – This is a darker hefeweizen that’s exhibits a high malt low bitterness ratio. They are creamy and often exhibit banana flavors. They also have caramel or roasted characters. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Gose – This is a cloudy German wheat beer that is crisp and refreshing. They are sour, with low hop bitterness, with a dry finish. Different spices, especially salt, are added to balance the acidity. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-5%

Hefeweizen – This is a German wheat beer (weissbier) that exhibits low hops. “Hefe” is yeast in German, there for a beer made of yeast and wheat. The yeast is often cut or complemented by a citrus fruit. However the beer itself is dry and tart with a wide range of fruit notes. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Kölsch – This beer originated in Cologne, Germany. This is a clear, pale, light to medium bodied beer. They are dry with a prominent hop presence and low bitterness. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Kristalweizen – Unlike the hefeweizen, which is unfiltered, this is a filter wheat German beer. The filtering process creates a brighter and clearer beer that is lighter than a typical hefeweizen. This process also creates a cleaner beer. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-7%

Roggenbier – This is a German medieval rye beer that exhibits malt and sour flavor with clean hop balance. They are tart and have earthy notes from the rye and barley malt. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Weizenbock – The weizenbock is a stronger, more intense dunkelweizen. It full-bodied, made from at least 50% wheat and the rest is Munich or Vienna malts. They can exhibit caramel notes from the males added. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 7-10%.

Irish Ales

Irish Dry Stout- These are very dark stouts that are light-bodied stouts with low carbonation, making them easy to drink. They exhibit a roasted character with a dry finish. It’s alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%.

Irish Red Ale- This is a slightly sweet, lightly hopped, well-rounded ale. Their color ranges from amber to deep red. They exhibit a toasted malt almost caramel character with a clean, dry finish. They are medium bodied with no hop aroma or flavor. Its alcohol by volume (abv) rage is 4-6%.

Russian Ales

Kvass- This is a low alcohol beer made from rye bread. Due to it’s low alcohol content they are not considered alcoholic beverages by Russian standards. They are flavored with herbs or fruit to balance out bitterness. Kvass is also used to make a cold Russian soup, known as okroshka. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is almost non existent at .5-2.5%

Scottish Ales

Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy- These are strong ales hat originated in Scotland. Their color ranges from deep copper to brown. They are full-bodied, sweet, with a malted caramel and roasted flavor. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 6-10%

Scottish Ale- There is three Scottish ale styles: light, heavy, and export. They have a high malt profile due to the brewing process that involves caramelization of the wort. They range from copper to brown in color. They have a rich mouth-feel and can often exhibit smoky notes.

Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale- Ancient ales used many herbs and spices creating this gruit. The herbs in this style include gale, yarrow, and rosemary. Some are similar to herbal teas. They were known as herbal healing beers and were known to stimulate the mind. The alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Lager Styles

American Lagers

American Adjunct Lager – This is a light-bodied, pale lager. Adjuncts are unmalted grains, such as corn, which are used to help create large production of beer. These are the macro-brewery lagers and have fizzy characters. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

American Amber / Red Lager – These red lagers are regular American lagers that have more malts and low bitterness. They are more caramel from the malts and have a crisp and smooth character. Their alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

American Double / Imperial Pilsner – This is a stronger pilsner with more malt flavor and bitterness. They are golden and have dry hop aroma. They are medium to light-bodied with some carbonation. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 6.5-9%

American Malt Liquor – Malt liquors are straw to amber in color and brewed with many adjuncts, like the American lager. They are higher in alcohol content than a lager. They are typically dry and have unfermented sugars. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 6-9%

American Pale Lager – Pale lagers use malt, rather than adjunct lagers. They are light in color and are fizzy. They exhibit more malts and bitterness and adjuncts. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

California Common / Steam Beer – This is a unique American medium-bodied style lager originating in California during the 1800s. The yeast used in the brewing process stands up to warmer temperatures. They are amber colored and have a malty character. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Light Lager – These beers are a lighter version of traditional lagers. They are lower in calories and use large amounts of adjuncts. Low malt and hop flavor with no flavor more dominant of one another. They are light bodied with a dry finish. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 2.5-5%

Low Alcohol Beer – Also known as NA, non alcohol, beer. The alcohol can either be removed or carefully brewed to reduce alcohol content.. They still aim to have the taste of beer without the effects of alcohol. Most versions are lagers. Their alcohol by volume (abv) ratio is less than .5%

Czech Lagers

Czech Pilsener – This is top fermented, clear, crisp, light to straw colored beer. They originated in Pilsen, hence the name. They are very hoppy with floral or spicy notes. They drink smooth and clean. Alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4.5-5.5%

German Lagers

Bock – Bock is a German lager that ranges from light copper to dark amber or brown in hue. This lager is typically stronger due to its extended storage in cold temperatures. It originated in medieval Germany when monasteries used it as a source of nutrition to aid in fasting. Since this style of beer is brewed for consumption during Lenten fast, it symbolizes the end of winter and the transition to better times. It has a dark robust malty character, with light hops to balance the sweetness. Many bocks have goats on the label, which there are two main theories for. The first is that this beer is brewed during the Capricorn sign of the goat. The second theory is that originated in the town of Einbeck, which Munich citizens pronounced “ein Bock”, meaning a billy goat. Its average alcohol by volume (abv) range is 5.5-7.5%.

Doppelbock – Doppelbock is a stronger, more intense version of the bock. It has a malty full-bodied flavor and ranges from dark amber to black. The darker versions exhibit roasted characters. It is sweet and higher in alcohol content than a regular bock, hence it’s “liquid bread” or a “meal in a glass” nickname. Doppelbocks can also be creamy, with toasty notes. In darker hues it can have hints of chocolate or fruity aromas. It has minimal hops, just enough to balance the sweetness like the traditional bock. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 6.5-9%.

Dortmunder / Export Lager – Dortmunder is a pale golden lager originating from Dortmund, Germany. It has a clean, dry character with a hint of biscuit-like malts and crisp carbonation. It is similar to a pilsner style beer and was popular in the 19th century industrial workers. It has moderate bitterness from hops, which is accentuated due to the high level of sulfur in the towns’ water. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%.

Eisbock – Eisbock is a unique due to it’s brewing process, in which doppelbock is partially frozen and the water ice is removed. This process concentrates the body, flavor, and the alcohol content of the beer. It’s hue ranges from copper to black, with a ruby hint. The high alcohol content masks any hop bitterness and accentuates the malty tone, almost creating a thick syrup-like body. Eisbocks can have sweet, spicy, chocolate or fruity notes that are balanced by the high alcohol presence. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 9-15%.

German Pilsener- One of the most popular lagers in Germany. They range from straw to a light golden color. This beer is crisp, clean, and refreshing. They tend to be bitter yet still have a hint of malt sweetness. They are brewed with Noble hops that contribute to a floral or herbal aroma and flavor. It’s alcohol by volume range is 4-5.5%

Kellerbier– A unfiltered and unpasteurized lager with German origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It contains much of its original brewing yeast, providing a cloudy appearance. It has a strong hoppy bitterness and drinks smooth. It’s alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4.0-7.0%

Maibock/ Helles Bock- is spring seasonal style of bock that is typically lighter in color than other bock beers. It exhibits more hoppy bitterness than other bocks but it balances well with the malty characteristics. Maibock also stands for “May” bock in Germany, hence it’s significance of the spring beer. It’s alcohol by volume range is 5.7-8.0%

Marzen/Oktoberfest- Marzen, or March, beers are brewed that time of year and kept in cold storage during the summer mothers to keep until the fall. It is brewed at high gravity is a rich, full-bodied beer with toasty notes. It is typically a dark copper color. It’s alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4.0-7.0%

Munich Dunkel Lager- A classic brown lager developed in Munich. Its appearance ranges from deep copper to dark brown. The ruby hue it exhibits is due to the Munich malts used in the brewing process, which also contribute to its full-body. It is very rich, roasted, and complex flavor with moderate carbonation. These malts are sweet, and almost bread-like, which can often produce hints of chocolate, caramel, or nuts. Hop bitterness tends to be low, overtaken by maltiness. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 2-6%

Munich Helles Lager- A beer developed due to the fear that Germans would start drinking Czechs golden and clean lagers. It is maltier than a Czech pilsners, but still exhibits hop characteristics making his beer not overly sweet. “Helles” is German for “bright”, and therefore its appearance is a clear, yellow to pale gold color. Its alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4-6%

Rauchbier- Originating in the 1500’s, the Rauchbier is an old German style. “Rauch” is German for smoke, and this unique beer has malts that are dried over beech wood which contributes to it’s smokiness. It is clear and ranges from copper to darker in color with a medium body and high carbonation. It is most similar to Oktoberfestbier. It’s alcohol by volume range is 4-7%.

Schwarzbier- A German black beer that tends to be light bodied. Unlike other dark beers such as porters or stouts, this beer exhibits more balance between hops and malts. It still has lager characteristics comparable to pilsners. Therefore it is a lighter, easier drinking beer than porters or stouts. Although lighter, they still may have chocolate or coffee notes with a dry finish. The alcohol by volume (abv) range is 4.5-5%

Vienna Lager- Originating in Vienna, this amber lager is now more common in Mexico and the United States. They are red, brown, to copper in color with subtle hops and an accentuated malty sweetness. It’s alcohol by volume (abv) range is 3.5-6.5%

Japanese Lagers

Happoshu- This is a sparkling low malt beer that is classified by having less than 67% malt ratio. There is lower tax on Happashu than regular “beers”, therefore it is a very popular style in Japan. The alcohol by volume (abv) ratio is 4-7%

Japanese Rice Lager- This is a pale yellow lager similar to an American-style lager. Light hops and distinguished malt characters. Like other lagers, it is light-bodied with a crisp and refreshing feel with a dry finish. It’s alcohol by volume ratio is 4.5-5%.

European Lagers

Hybrid Styles

Fruit / Vegetable Beer– This where food and beer meet. The base beer can be just about any style of beer and than the fruit /veggie can be added either during the boil or during fermentation. The fruit should complement the original style without overwhelming it.

Herbed / Spiced Beer – These beers are similar to fruit beers in that the base beer can be anything. Herbs and spices can also be added during the boil or during secondary fermentation. Common spices would be cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, or even hot peppers.

Smoked Beer – Smoked beers can vary a bit in intensity and some can be overwhelming. The smoked flavor comes from smoked malt that is typically smoked with peat or beechwood. Any style beer can be used as the base.

August 4, 2016

Aroma is tart red fruit, barnyard funk, vanilla, and some balsamic. Appearance is reddish Amber with bright clarity and a thin white foam. The wine barrel aging is very prevalent in the flavor. Lots of tart cherries, blackberries, and a […]